Liberia advances transparency and planning in extractive and energy sectors

In Liberia, the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) conducted awareness training in Grand Gedeh County to improve public knowledge regarding the extractive industries sector. Supported by GIZ-Liberia, the sessions utilized the Liberia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (LEITI) Simplified Contract Matrix to educate over 250 participants, including media, civil society, and local officials, on contract agreements, revenue disclosure, and community rights. Discussions specifically addressed operations by Euro Liberia Logging Company and International Consultant Capitol, with participants raising concerns over environmental hazards, illicit mining, and failures to adhere to contract terms.

Concurrently, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) has launched a technical planning initiative to unify the energy and environment sectors. This effort aims to create a Sector Strategic Plan, Investment Plan, and Project Pipeline aligned with Liberia’s national development framework and international commitments, such as the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The initiative seeks to replace fragmented planning with a cohesive national blueprint to better attract public and private investment.